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March 19, 2004 |
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FROM:
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KAY COLES JAMES
Director
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Subject:
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Human Resources Policy to Assist Federal Employees Called to Active
Military Duty
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Today, our military is being pulled in many directions. Thousands of U.S.
troops are mobilized in preparation for war, terrorist activities, and other
operations to protect our interests at home and abroad. They are our spouses,
children, brothers, and sisters. They are our coworkers. They are the best
of the best. Providing support for these individuals is an important issue,
and we should not let them down. Our first obligation as an employer is to
make sure that those who perform active military duty are able to leave their
employment temporarily with the knowledge that their affairs are in order
and their rights protected.
When I wrote to you about this last year, I was already on record as
encouraging Federal agencies to pay both the employee and government
share of FEHB premiums for these employees, as authorized by Section
8906(e)(3) of title 5, United States Code.
My resolve now is stronger than ever.
I cannot impress upon you enough the importance I place on
assisting these employee reservists in this manner.
The Federal Government is the largest single employer of
members of the uniformed services reserves, and we are extremely
proud of the ceaseless dedication and perseverance of our
colleagues. Heads of
Executive Departments and Agencies should implement a uniform policy
in support of Department of Defense (DoD) contingency operations by
waiving the requirement that employees pay their share of the FEHB
premiums incurred when they are called to active military duty for
more than 30 days.
I am attaching
a chart listing each agency's policy. If you are already providing this well-deserved
benefit, I thank you. If you have not yet done so, I urge that you begin.
I, as well as the thousands of dedicated reservists who are faithfully serving
their country, count on your enthusiastic support. If your staff has any questions
about this initiative and how to administer it, they may contact Abby Block,
our Deputy Associate Director, Strategic Human Resources Policy Division,
at (202) 606-0004.
